Kimberley Troutte

I'm a Southern California girl, born and raised. I live with my husband, two sons, one dog, and three very large snakes. I have been an accountant, substitute teacher, caterer, financial analyst for a major defense contractor, real-estate broker, aerobics instructor, freelance writer and caregiver to creatures the kids/hubby/dog drag in.

June 2008 I got "the call" from Deborah Nemeth, editor at Samhain Publishing, after more than twenty years of writing. Did I jump up and down, scream and and do the Funky Chicken dance?

Nope. I hit my knees, thanked God and bawled like a baby. Then I called Mom and Dad and bawled some more. Told my husband, sobbed. Dripped giant tears on C.C Wiley, my best friend and awesome writer. It was one of the wettest, best days ever.

Moral of the story?

Dream big, work hard, don't give up, and when it happens, have a Kleenex box nearby.

Just in case.